Dogs can give you a great, loyal companionship that is similar to ones found in human friendships. It is vital for all pet owners to know how to take good care of their pets and keep them in tip-top shape. The following article will teach you all about dogs.
While hugging your dog will make both of you feel great, refrain from kissing him. Dog kisses are very unsanitary. He probably doesn't mind eating dirt, enjoys drinking water from the toilet if he can get at it, and tries in vain to clean himself with his tongue. It is not true that a dog has a cleaner mouth than a person. Definitely do not believe that!
If there are prescription medications in your home, be sure to keep it out of your dog's reach. Swallowing just a few pills could lead to catastrophic health issues for your dog, including a seizure or heart attack. If this does happen, call your vet immediately.
Look into the flea treatments. A lot of them have chemicals that might be bad for kids! Speak with your vet to see if there are any alternatives that are healthier choices for your pet and your family.
Hand signals are great when they are paired with verbal commands. Using hand gestures can help your dog to recognize commands quicker. Give both methods a try to find out which works best for your particular pup.
If the dog is doing something right, like sitting before he is leashed, lavish him with praise and affection. It's important that you pooch is aware that they did something good. This shows your pup that when things are done right, he will be rewarded.
Talk to your vet about appropriate nutrition for your canine. While some people feed their dogs according to the dog food package guidelines, these guidelines can be incorrect and lead to an overweight dog. Your vet should be able to let you know what your dog's specific needs are.
Instead of feeding your dog meat bones, give him rawhide. Bones can chip and get lodged in the digestive tract or mouth. Also, rawhide is better for the health of your dog's teeth.
Pay attention to the nails of your canine. If they get too long, they may start to curl under and cause your dog pain. You can always do your own trimming with clippers from the store. If this idea makes you uneasy, a groomer can easily attend to them for you.
Speak with a vet as soon as possible if you are adopting a dog. Animals from shelters sometimes have viruses or might have already been sick when taken in by the shelter. Your puppy needs to get a few shots before you can safely bring it home.
There are many benefits to owning a dog, gaining a best friend being one of them. If you own a dog or are thinking of getting one, get off to a great start by learning how to properly care for your pet. Keeping the advice from this article in mind will help ensure that your dog grows up happy and healthy.
